Chill Bark

About

Common Names

Chill Bark

Classification

Shrub

Description

Chill Bark is the common name for a woody shrub with fibrous hair-like bark. These shrubs grow to a height of two metres with a thick single trunk, and a flat canopy. The leaves are dark green scale-like forming long and feathery clusters at the terminal points. Flowers form as small upright green conical structures at the least branching points.

Ecology

Rarity

Uncommon

Distribution

Temperate through sub-arctic wetlands and adjacent to waterways.

Life Cycle

Chill bark flowers semi annually during the late spring. The cones develop through the summer and release seeds during the early autumn rains.

Uses

Cultivation

Chill Bark is not grown domestically.

Culinary

There are no notable culinary uses for chill bark.

Medicinal

• Leaves - Chill bark leaves contain certain oils which serve as a balsam when extracted through crushing and brewing.
• Inner Bark - The inner bark of this shrub has a cooling effect when applied topically, which is helpful in soothing burns and rashes.
• Flowers - Green unopened chill bark flower cones are used for some medicinal cures for liver disease.

Other

The fibrous outer bark finds some use as a filler material in cushions, pillows, or padded garments. It loses strength when wet, so isn't suitable for cordage.

History

Cultural

Chill bark has no significant cultural connections.

Religious

Chill bark lacks any religious significance.